Officers of Election Information

The strength of a democracy depends upon the level of involvement of its citizens. Frederick County needs approximately 160 citizens to serve as Officers of Election in its 22 precincts, which includes the Central Absentee Precinct for each election. Virginia holds a General Election each November. Primary elections, if called are held in June. Town elections for Middletown and Stephens City are held every two years in November. It is a rewarding way to participate in your government and help us to ensure a fair and well-organized voting process.

Am I qualified?

In order to qualify to be an Officer of Election you must be a registered voter in the Commonwealth of Virginia. You can not hold any elected office or be the employee of an elected official. You must enjoy meeting and working with people and serving the public. You must be able to attend the mandatory training session prior to each election. You must be able to take direction, pay attention to detail and not easily be distracted. You must be able to work the entire day of Election Day.

Will I be trained?

Yes. A mandatory training session is required and held before each election or primary.

Where will I work?

You will be assigned to work in your own precinct, which should be near your home, if at all possible.

What will I be doing?

You must arrive at your assigned polling place by 5:00 am on Election Day and remain until the polls close and all results are tabulated and called in. Set up voting equipment and prepare the polling place for voting. Process voters by checking names on the list of registered voters for your precinct. Distribute paper ballots to qualified voters. Observing voters inserting their voted paper ballots into the optical scan voting machine. Assisting voters who need to use the ballot marking voting machine. Tally results, secure voting machines, pack up all voting supplies and close the polling place, usually by 9:00 pm. Make certain the polling place is left exactly as you found it.

Central Absentee Precinct (CAP) Officers

You must arrive at your assigned polling place by 5:00 am on Election Day and remain until the polls close and all results are tabulated and called in. Check absentee voters' names with poll book. Process absentee ballots. Tally results, pack up all supplies and close the polling place.

Stand-By (Alternate) Officers

You may be called prior to Election Day to fill in for Officers of Election who can not serve.

What will I be paid?

Officers of Election working a full day receive $150 and for attending a mandatory training session receive $25 for a total of $175.